How to Wear a Summer Dress in Winter
Written by Artemis Clo
If your favourite dresses disappear to the back of the wardrobe in October, here is how to wear a summer dress in winter instead. A few warm layers, the right tights and a good pair of boots, and it will see you through to spring.
How to wear a summer dress in winter: pick the right dress
Not every summer dress makes the switch equally well. The easiest ones have a little weight and length.
- Midi or maxi length covers more leg and sits beautifully over boots.
- Sleeves, even short ones, layer better than straps. Puff sleeves look lovely peeking out from a cardigan.
- Deeper colours and prints, such as navy florals, rich reds or earthy tones, already feel wintry. Pale pastels can work too, with darker layers on top.
- A relaxed shape leaves room for a fine layer underneath.
A floral puff sleeve dress with shirred waist or a wrap V-neck midi dress with puff sleeves are good examples of shapes that carry on into the colder months. See our dresses for more.
Fabric matters too. Very fine, floaty fabrics can look a little lost against thick tights and boots, while dresses with some body, such as a cotton with a bit of weight or a soft jersey, hold their shape over layers. If you love a lightweight dress, you can still wear it; just give it a slightly heavier partner on top, such as a chunky knit or a structured coat, so the outfit feels balanced.
Dresses to start with
A few pieces that fit what you have just read.
Floral Puff Sleeve Dress with Shirred Waist
Wrap V-Neck Midi Dress with Puff Sleeves
Spotted Tiered Midi Dress with Frill Sleeves
Tights, boots and the warm layer underneath
Warm legs change everything. Thick opaque tights are the single most useful piece for wearing a summer dress in winter. Choose a colour from the dress, usually the darkest one, for a smooth line from hem to shoe.
Then the boots. Two shapes work especially well:
- Knee boots that meet or tuck just under a midi hem, for maximum warmth. Knee-high boots with lace detail and block heel look pretty with a floral.
- Ankle boots with opaque tights, for a lighter look. Faux-fur lined ankle boots with side zip are cosy on cold days.
Browse all our boots for flat, low heel and lined styles. For extra warmth, a fine long-sleeved top or a thin roll neck under a sleeveless or short-sleeved dress keeps your arms warm without bulk.
Stopping the cling
Tights and a light dress can sometimes cling to each other, especially on a dry, cold day indoors. A thin slip under the dress usually solves it, and it adds a little warmth too. Keep a fine slip in your drawer just for winter dresses, and you will reach for your summer pieces far more often.
Knits and coats on top
The layer over the dress is where you can have fun.
A cardigan
A cardigan is the easiest choice: it keeps the dress visible and buttons up when you need it. A cropped or waist-length cardigan suits a dress with a defined waist; a longer one looks relaxed over a looser shape. Try a Fair Isle yoke cardigan with button front over a plain dress for a properly wintry look, or browse our cardigans.
A jumper over the top
Pulling a jumper over a dress turns it into a skirt and top in one move. Choose a fine knit, so it does not bunch, and let the skirt of the dress fall below. A belt over the jumper can help the shape if you like.
The coat
Go for a coat that is the same length as the dress or longer, so the hem does not peep out below. A longline coat over a midi dress looks neat; a shorter jacket suits knee-length dresses best.
How to wear a summer dress in winter for every occasion
| Occasion | Underneath | On top | On your feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work | Opaque tights, fine roll neck | A neat cardigan or blazer | Low-heeled ankle boots |
| Weekend | Thick tights | A chunky knit | Flat boots |
| Christmas lunch | Sheer black tights | A smart cardigan | Knee boots |
| Evening out | Opaque tights | A longline coat | Heeled boots |
If you love the idea of keeping summer pieces going, our guide on dressing from summer to autumn covers the in-between weeks, and how to wear colour in winter helps you keep things bright when the days are grey.
Take one summer dress out this week, add tights, boots and a knit, and see how it feels. It may become your favourite winter outfit.
Next, from our boots
Something from a neighbouring rail, for the same moment.
Knee-High Boots with Lace Detail and Block Heel
Faux-Fur Lined Ankle Boots with Side Zip
Orthopaedic Suede-Look Ankle Boots with Side Zip
Your questions, answered
Can I wear a sleeveless summer dress in winter?
Yes, with a fine long-sleeved top or a roll neck underneath. It turns the dress into something close to a pinafore, which looks smart and keeps your arms warm.
What colour tights go with a floral dress?
Pick the darkest colour in the print, often navy, black or deep green. Opaque tights in that shade make the outfit feel considered and keep the focus on the dress.
Can I wear a summer dress with trainers in winter?
Yes, for a relaxed weekend look. Add thick tights, a chunky knit and a warm coat, and choose trainers in a neutral or in one of the colours of the print so the outfit still feels put together.
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